The Best Household Washing Machine Cleaners
We compared seven washing machine cleaners based on owner ratings, expert reviews, and user feedback. Affresh Washing Machine Cleaner is the top pick for its effectiveness and ease of use.
Updated
The bottom line
The Affresh Washing Machine Cleaner is our top pick, thanks to its high owner ratings (9.4/10 from 293929 ratings), EPA Safer Choice Certification, and recommendation by major appliance brands. It effectively removes bacteria, grime, and odors, and is easy to use with its time-release tablets. The closest alternative is the Tide Washing Machine Cleaner, which provides a deep clean over a 5-month supply and is priced at $8.21. For a budget option, consider the Affresh, which offers similar performance at a lower price point.
Affresh Washing Machine Cleaner $10.98
Best overall washing machine cleaner
Affresh Washing Machine Cleaner is highly rated by users and recommended by major appliance brands. It effectively removes bacteria, grime, and odors, and is easy to use with its time-release tablets. Priced at $10.98, it offers great value for its performance. Those looking for a cheaper option might consider Tide Washing Machine Cleaner.
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Washing Machine Cleaner by Tide $8.21
Excellent budget-friendly option
Tide Washing Machine Cleaner provides a deep clean over a 5-month supply and is priced at $8.21. It eliminates odors and residues effectively and is septic safe. However, it may not be as effective as Affresh for heavy buildup.
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- Affresh Washing Machine Cleaner Best for overall cleaning and odor removal. 9.0/10 $10.98 Amazon
- Washing Machine Cleaner by Tide Budget option with effective cleaning. 8.5/10 $8.21 Amazon
- Uproot Clean Washing Machine Cleaning Tablets Effective for pet odors and hair buildup. 8.0/10 $29.95 Amazon
- Uproot Clean Washing Machine Cleaning Tablets Stronger cleaning power but higher cost. 7.5/10 $33.96 Amazon
- ACTIVE Washer Dishwasher Disposal & Coffee Cleaner Tablets Versatile cleaner for multiple appliances. 7.0/10 $64.95 Amazon
- ACTIVE Washing Machine Cleaner for Pet Owners Good for pet owners but limited supply. 6.5/10 $24.65 Amazon
- Washing Machine Dishwasher Disposal Cleaning Tablets Bulk option for multiple appliances but less specialized. 6.0/10 $55.34 Amazon
Who should buy which
Pet owners should consider Uproot Clean Washing Machine Cleaning Tablets for their effectiveness in eliminating pet odors and hair buildup. Those looking for a versatile cleaner for multiple appliances might prefer ACTIVE Washer Dishwasher Disposal & Coffee Cleaner Tablets. For the best overall cleaning and odor removal, Affresh Washing Machine Cleaner is the top choice.
What owners complain about
Some owners of Uproot Clean Washing Machine Cleaning Tablets mention that while the odor is eliminated, some residue and hair buildup may still remain. A few users of Affresh Washing Machine Cleaner note that it may not remove years of buildup in one cycle.
The also-rans
The ACTIVE Washing Machine Cleaner for Pet Owners, while effective for pet odors, has a limited supply of tablets. The Washing Machine Dishwasher Disposal Cleaning Tablets, despite its bulk option, is less specialized compared to other picks.